GPS Navigation suggestions 2004 Impala

dmorlow · 04-24-2005, 01:27 AM

Ok, I'm new to this forum. I am not looking to make my own GPS (like it looks like a lot of people are discussing on this forum). I just want to go into a store and have a GPS navigation unit installed in my car. I have a 2004 Chevrolet Impala LS. When it gets installed, it has to look factory. I don't like things to stand out too much. I don't want big monitors attached to my dash. It has to look like it is meant to be there by the factory (or pretty darn close). So basically I've decided I was going to replace my factory radio with an aftermarket that has built in navigation. I've seen some units on the market. The one I am seriously considering is the Pioneer AVIC-N2. It seems to have everything I want, but the price is a little steep. It retails for $2000. I've found it as cheap as $1600 and I see it going for a little over $1000 on ebay (I'm a little skeptical getting this off ebay). I was just wondering if anyone had any other suggestions of units they've seen. If you know of some cheaper models that are similar in features, I am all open to suggestions. Anyone here with experience in how well these units work? I need the good and the bad. I need to know what I'm getting myself into before I spend $2000 on a radio for my car!!!

Ladzio · 04-28-2005, 05:37 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by dmorlow

Ok, I'm new to this forum. I am not looking to make my own GPS (like it looks like a lot of people are discussing on this forum). I just want to go into a store and have a GPS navigation unit installed in my car. I have a 2004 Chevrolet Impala LS. When it gets installed, it has to look factory. I don't like things to stand out too much. I don't want big monitors attached to my dash. It has to look like it is meant to be there by the factory (or pretty darn close). So basically I've decided I was going to replace my factory radio with an aftermarket that has built in navigation. I've seen some units on the market. The one I am seriously considering is the Pioneer AVIC-N2. It seems to have everything I want, but the price is a little steep. It retails for $2000. I've found it as cheap as $1600 and I see it going for a little over $1000 on ebay (I'm a little skeptical getting this off ebay). I was just wondering if anyone had any other suggestions of units they've seen. If you know of some cheaper models that are similar in features, I am all open to suggestions. Anyone here with experience in how well these units work? I need the good and the bad. I need to know what I'm getting myself into before I spend $2000 on a radio for my car!!!

That's how much factory looking GPS systems with integrated cd/dvd/ whatever playback cost. For this reasons everyone tries to save here and build something on their own.

I would advise you to visit several stores and see what reps have to tell you. Don't rush to spend money right away on such expensive toy.

Hcomplyr · 04-29-2005, 01:32 PM

first of all welcome fellow w-body owner

if you want a stock looking interface check this out
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...5&page=1&pp=15
build yourself a nice computer and search for the "onstar GPS hack" for a way to use the GPS unit in the onstar for free!

depending on how much more functionality you want (other than GPS) I would imagine this costing about half of the other units you looked at with a much more capable system, and room for more goodies in the future

Shelbrain · 04-30-2005, 05:29 PM

I originally bought the Garmin 2610 unit but the touchscreen stopped working and so I am in the process of replacing it with the carputer. I will eventually fix the 2610 and give it to my wife.